Alvin Greene has been cleared in an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

(CNN) - South Carolina's top law enforcement agency announced Friday that it will not file charges against Democratic Senate nominee Alvin Greene.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) had been investigating how Greene, a political newcomer who could not afford a lawyer when facing criminal charges last year, came up with the $10,440 needed to get his name on the Democratic Senate primary ballot.

"After a thorough investigation, SLED has concluded that there is no evidence of wrongdoing, criminal intent or deception to the court when Greene applied for a public defender last year," the agency said in a statement Friday.

Washington (CNN) – South Carolina is home to one less Senate hopeful, after Democrat Linda Ketner announced Monday that she will not accept a petition nomination to appear on the ballot.

Ketner told supporters of her decision in an email in which she said South Carolinians "deserve – and desperately need – better government," before noting that "a last minute campaign without essential resources won't get us that outcome."

"And so, with great appreciation and humility, I thank those who participated in this initiative, and announce I will not accept a petition candidacy. I have asked that the drive be stopped," Ketner said.

A group of former Ketner campaign staffers and allies had been collecting signatures on her behalf, and even launched a campaign-style website for the petition drive.